A lot of people don't even know that Call of Duty: Black Ops is out on the Wii. Activision has done next to nothing to promote the Wii version. Still, I know that you, the discerning audience of Destructoid is aware of this "down-port", and that some of you have even been looking forward to it.
I've been looking forward to it too, if not just to see how it compares to Black Ops on PC/PS3/360. Much to my surprise, the pre-release talk was for real; the game is pretty much the same on the Wii as it is on HD platforms. For that reason, I'm not going launch into a full re-review of the game. For the bulk of the details on Black Ops, check out our review of the PC version.
Hit the jump for the Wii specific pros and cons (and that all important review score).
Call of Duty: Black Ops (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, Wii [reviewed])
Developer: Treyarch
Publisher: Activision
Release date: November 9, 2010
MSRP: $49.99
Like I already mentioned, Black Ops on the Wii is pretty much the same game as it is on other home consoles. The maps, the storyline, the multi-player, the co-op zombie mode, the promise of DLC, almost everything from the HD versions is here, all in glorious standard definition.
By standard, I really mean "the 3rd party Wii port standard, which is pretty much the same standard set by the a PS2 ten years ago. Sometimes it gets better than that, but most of the time, the game's textures look sub-Gamecube in quality. There are also a lot of little details that were left out; flags don't wave, leaves don't sway in the wind, etc. With the Wii being over 4 years old, there's really no excuse for 3rd parties to be churning out games like this. If you're like me, then you don't even expect to see anything better than this from a 3rd party on the Wii, and the visuals wont really bother you. Still, it's worth noting that the Wii can do better than this. It's a bummer that Activision didn't bother.
Besides the graphics, there are a few other things seem to be missing from this port. Maybe I just haven't found a way to unlock them yet, but the Flamethrower attachment appears to be gone, various customization options (face paint and player cards) are missing, the JFK zombie mode is M.I.A., and the Dead Ops top-down shooter mode isn't here either. It's strange to see these things omitted, as none of them would have taken up a lot of memory or processing power. I have to wonder if the Wii version was rushed out without these features in order to make the game's release date. It would be nice to see these modes and options hit later on as (preferably free) DLC.
As irritating as the unambitious visuals and missing details may be, this is still the only way to play Black Ops with pointer controls, as the PS3 version doesn't have Move support. The controls are really responsive and accurate, regardless if you're going for the Wii remote/nunchuck or the Wii Zapper. Sadly, the controls aren't as freely customizable as they are in some other Wii FPS's. There are bunch of pre-set control layouts, and that's it. That didn't bother me though. [UPDATE] (Somehow I totally missed the fact that the controls are in fact, totally customizable. Sorry guys! I feel like a moron. OK, back the the review as previously published). I never felt the need to customize the controls anyway. The game was easy to control from the start. I was popping off headshots and slitting enemy throats from the word go.
Another advantage to the Wii version is that so far, I've run into no problems getting online, and have experienced no lag, even with a wireless connection. Maybe this is because there are fewer people playing the Wii version, but compared the the 360 version of the game, Black Ops on the Wii has been noticeably better. I have been kicked out a few losing games, which caused my Wii to crash, but I blame that more on the people I was playing with than the game itself.
Bottom line -- if you prefer playing First-person Shooters with pointer controls, and you don't have a hang up about playing games that look they could run on the PS2, then this Wii port is the way to go. This is definitely not the version of the game that most pre-existing CoD fans want, but for those that are looking for a slightly cheaper starting point to the series, or if you just don't like playing FPS's with dual analog sticks, then this is the version of Black Ops that I would recommend.
Contest:
9:30 PM on 11.18.2010 | 
I also much prefer pointer controls (Metroid Prime 3 is still what I consider the game with the best handling feeling ever) but I will never support the scaled down, uncared for crap they sell on the Wii.
And I find it curious you haven't said anything about multiplayer, considering its the game's only real appeal (and what makes up for its ridiculous price...)
How long have you been playing this game?
Anyways, yeah. Lots of random things were taken from the game. A short list of more noticables:
- Dead Ops
- Customizable red dot
- Chopper Gunner & Gunship
- Valkyrie Missles
- Camera Spikes
- Killcam
And that's why I wanted Treyarch to make the DVD a dual-layer one for the wii. Chopper Gunner/Gunship wouldn't work too well on wii regardless.
That's good to hear though. The previous Wii versions weren't the best.
I considered getting this, but with Sonic, DK and Epic Mickey rolling out back-to-back, I thought I'd just stick with Goldeneye, particularly since I've been enjoying the online multiplayer quite a bit and it feels totally crafted for the Wii. I wasn't too sure what to make of Black Ops.
though this is only if you own said classic controller.
No. its better than the pc version.
Default controls for CC pro -> Can't hold breath when you have a special grenade
I sure hope it is, but admittiedly, I haven't played a lot of the small-name FPSs on the Wii, like that Marines one and that History Channel one.
BUT
I have a friend who wants to get this game
should I tell him to get a 360 or just get this game for the Wii
-Metroid Prime Trilogy for the Wii
-Killzone 2 for the PS3
-Halo Reach for the X-BOX
-Half-Life 2 for PC
And stop supporting a franchise based on rip-off, I MEAN, based on shooting down your iron sights :D!
http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=142759
Either way, thanks for the review.
Just wondering if later shooters on Wii got better.
2. you can customize you controls just as well as the conduit but the have there pre-built setups
as far as everyone talking about goldeneye vs. COD Black ops i have both and think that they are great games i would say that cod has goldeneye beat as far as online goes but goldeneye's multi splitscrean is awesome and is something that COD does not have both are great games but if you are looking for local multi player go with goldeneye if you are wanting an addictive and deep online game check out black ops
Player Cards are indeed in. It pretty much shows it to you, right when you get in online multiplayer.
As far as missing content goes, these are whats missing:
3 kill streaks (valkyrie, chopper gunner, gunship), theater mode, kill cam, camera spike equipment, flamethrower attachment, face paint, emblems, dead ops arcade and the pentagon map.
The 3 kill streaks, theater mode, kill cam, and camera spike probably couldn't make it due to RAM issues.Everything else, maybe. And there's a good chance that with DLC confirmed we'll get the missing zombie map.
OH and as far as customizable controls go... The button layout is indeed completely customizable. You don't have to choose between the default button layouts (alpha, bravo, charlie, delta, echo, foxtrot, etc). In that same page, you have to go all the way down and click "customize" to customize your button layout.
And as far as graphics goes... I've been using component cables, and the game actually looks pretty good with them! I know it doesn't have a sign on the box, but I think it is compatible with them.
And it really works, check out this guy's youtube channel for what pointer controls look like when someone competent is using them, it's pretty much nothing like most videos by so called reviewers indicate, and should be a slap to the face of writers like GI's who claim they're inaccurate, imprecise, etc...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxqA3GK1cXo&hd=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM2hdoBLXuM&hd=1
For online multiplayer Black Ops is now king on Wii (although WaW and especially Modern Warfare are still fine too, if you haven't gotten tired of them, Black Ops can wait as it's more of the same really) but as far as single player experiences go, GoldenEye is one of the finest on ANY platform thanks to having actual AI instead of braindead respawning aimbots and grenade spammers and a little bit of freedom in how you approach levels and situations. Sweet.
But as for the 3 missing kill streaks, camera spike, theater mode, and kill cam, most likely they couldn't have been included due to Wii's limited RAM.
This game is still a great game!
John, you could have mentioned that this is the First online Wii FPS to not only support DLC, but text messaging and voice chat as well.
In addition, the friend code system has been improved by quite a bit. Only one person has to add the other, while the other person just accepts their friend request to add them. in addition, you can add people you just played with recently in previous matches by sending them friend invites, without the need of friend codes.
Or, for the smartest people...
Stay away from CoD.
My biggest issue with this review is the following line, "Sadly, the controls aren't as freely customizable as they are in some other Wii FPS's. There are bunch of pre-set control layouts, and that's it." That line is a lie or you just didn't bother dig down deeper especially after reading the next part of the paragraph, "That didn't bother me though. I never felt the need to customize the controls anyway."
Once you click on the custom button layout, you are allowed to reconfigure the button layout to your liking, you are also allowed to adjust the sensitivity of the camera, the pointer, configure the dead zone, the sensitivity of the Nunchuk, if you want the ADS to spring the camera to the center, and other things. Long story short, the controls are very customizable.
While this isn't critiquing this review, but I think you also have to admire how Treyarch is listening to the Wii community and patching various issues that are currently present - http://www.callofduty.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=74&t=330124&sid=9pk9roatcbf8jd95gajm1e4s57 .
Theres classic controller support on BO Wii, and theres full customization on wiimote controllers...
The graphics are serviceable, even if i think that lower res textures and lack of modes is to make the game fit on a standard DVD, goldeneye have vastly better texturing.
The lack of lighting effects bug me, but we do get a lot of geometry going on BO.
Looking forward to DLC...
Try Monster Hunter Tri, or Xenoblade (even though it's published by Ninty it's developed by Monolith). Those set the standard.
BTW is Xenoblade ever going to come to NA??? If it doesn't I'm gonna hack my Wii and learn Japanese to play it, it looks freaking amazing.
From my personal experience, I'd say that Goldeneye has better graphics, a longer campaign mode, and the advantage of local multi-player, but Black Ops has a more interesting single player storyline and more expansive online multi-player.
It's really a matter of priorities, but both games are great.
I found GoldenEye 007's single player to be by and large far superior to any Call of Duty yet made thanks to having actual gameplay and AI (although COD2 was pretty fun). It gives options for stealth and alternative routes (not all of which are obvious), but also has at least just as intense gunfights wherever stealth is not an option (or wherever it goes wrong) which are not fully scripted as the AI rush, dive, and roll to cover, lean to shoot, blindfire (often while retreating), attempt to flank you, etc. It really should be experienced by any FPS player regardless of platform. It just brings the fun back, like a mix of F.E.A.R. and Mission Impossible/MGS. A couple of sections are pretty awful but you quickly get over them and go back to the awesome.
Eurocom will hopefully get to make more games like it, even (better?) if they aren't tied to the Bond licence. And maybe get rid of the few COD traces still left in the design formula (there's a handful of QTE sequences and some missions are more scripted than others, although few sections have COD style respawning enemies, and they come in waves which still have proper AI) and polish it all a little more as it seems to have been rushed out the door in some ways, likely to be released before Black Ops/with the other 007 game.
All Black Ops does better is the rather important online multiplayer (although it's of course very, very similar to the two previous games, so wouldn't be a priority for most people) and that the controls are more refined with more options (which makes sense, this is their fourth attempt after all). GoldenEye 007's scheme is still better than DA, and has some nice adjustments like analog leaning (nunchuck tilt) and how you automatically slightly raise just above medium sized cover when you bring up the iron sights while crouching behind it. The multiplayer should be enough to tide most over until they can purchase Black Ops later on too, as the online is very similar, but with less core modes and options, and the split screen is, well, the only recent robust option for such.
Well whatever. At least they're trying, and they didn't to a terrible job.